Online TM6 form for visitors to Thailand coming on May 1

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is the digital successor to the familiar paper TM6 immigration form. For decades, arriving travelers filled in a small white card by hand, declaring details such as their name, date of birth, passport information, and intended address of stay in Thailand. These cards were usually handed out by cabin crew during flights or collected at the immigration counter on arrival.

The TDAC moves that entire process online. Instead of scribbling on a paper slip mid-flight, travelers will be able to complete the arrival declaration in advance on a digital platform, then simply present their details when they reach the immigration checkpoint. The goal is a faster, more efficient, and more convenient entry experience.

The road to the TDAC has been a gradual one. The TM6 form was previously required for both arrival and departure, collecting personal details such as name, date of birth, passport information, and the address of stay in Thailand. It was typically distributed to passengers during flights or available at immigration checkpoints.

In July 2022, the Thai government temporarily suspended the requirement to complete the TM6 form for air arrivals, aiming to reduce airport congestion and speed up immigration processing. This suspension was later extended to major land and sea checkpoints, with the goal of simplifying border crossings and supporting tourism by reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

In October 2024, the government announced another extension of the TM6 form suspension, lasting until April 30, 2025. During this period, authorities have been working on introducing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt travelers, paving the way for the full implementation of the TDAC in 2025.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has confirmed that the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system will be operational starting May 1, 2025 . This digital platform will replace the traditional paper TM6 form, enabling foreign travelers to complete immigration procedures online before arriving in Thailand.

Nattareeya Thaweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, emphasized that “the introduction of the TM6 online service is one of the key measures to promote Thai tourism, making it easier for tourists and travelers to enter the country.”

According to a ministerial press release, “the TDAC system has been developed and is currently being integrated with data from relevant agencies, including the Department of Disease Control, airlines, and customs authorities. The system is expected to be fully operational by May 1, 2025.”

Similar to the electronic visa (e-Visa) system, Thai authorities anticipate that the transition to a digital immigration form will enhance the efficiency of border controls, reduce waiting times, and provide a smoother experience for international travelers. Further details on how the TDAC system works and the procedures to follow will be announced by the authorities at a later date.

While the authorities have said that full step-by-step procedures will be announced closer to launch, the overall principle is straightforward: the arrival declaration that travelers once completed on paper will now be completed online. The practical effect for most visitors is simply one fewer form to juggle at the immigration counter — and, ideally, a shorter queue.

For long-stay visitors — including holders of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) — the move to the TDAC is welcome news. The arrival declaration is a separate requirement from your visa, so digitizing it removes a small but recurring point of friction every time you enter the country. A smoother, more predictable border process is especially valuable for those who travel in and out of Thailand regularly.

It is important to remember that the TDAC does not change any visa rules. Your eligibility, your permitted length of stay, and your entry conditions still depend entirely on the visa you hold. The TDAC simply modernizes the way arrival information is collected.

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